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• AUTHOR: codevision AI engine
• TechCrunch

The European Commission is launching an antitrust investigation into Meta’s decision to restrict rival AI chatbots from WhatsApp. The move, which bans general-purpose chatbots from using WhatsApp’s business tools, has raised concerns about market fairness. WhatsApp’s policy change, effective in January 2025, targets AI services like OpenAI and Perplex, but allows business-specific AI tools. The EU fears this could limit competition in the AI sector, while Meta argues its AI remains accessible. Potential fines up to 10% of Meta’s global revenue could follow if the policy is deemed illegal.

Key facts

• EU regulators are probing Meta’s ban on third-party AI chatbots via WhatsApp’s API.
• WhatsApp’s October 2025 policy change prohibits general-purpose chatbots from its platform.
• The EU Commission warns this could block competitors from reaching users through WhatsApp.
• Meta’s AI service remains available, while rival chatbots like ChatGPT are restricted.
• Meta could face fines up to 10% of its global revenue if found to violate antitrust rules.